Three Homemade Bombs Discovered in Southern Arizona Community

By Matthew Holloway |

The Pima Regional Bomb Squad (PRBS) responded to a series of incidents reported by the Sahuarita Police Department involving potential explosive devices. The call came in on June 20, following reports from residential areas northeast of Interstate 19 and Sahuarita Road.

This series of events began a week earlier when a man discovered an object on the street and moved it to the sidewalk. Upon investigation, the PRBS deemed the object likely an explosive device.

Authorities are now conducting a forensic investigation into all three devices, according to AZ Central. Sahuarita, located approximately 30 minutes south of Tucson, is positioned along I-19, a significant route for human trafficking and various illegal activities.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department emphasized the importance of public vigilance, advising citizens to report any suspicious items to local law enforcement. As of now, no suspects have been identified by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the Sahuarita Police Department.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is collaborating on the investigation. One object from June 13 was described as cylindrical, wrapped in tape, with what appeared to be a fuse, resembling a pipe bomb. Officers assessed it as “likely an explosive device.”

Sahuarita police stated, “When the person or persons responsible for these crimes are identified, they will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”

According to KGUN, one device discovered on June 20 was located at Parque del Sol, measuring four to six inches long and two inches wide. This location had previously reported another device on June 13.

In a press release, the Sahuarita Police Department detailed the June 20 incidents, noting that at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to E. Mountain Alder and S. Camino Larga Vista. A resident alerted 911 after finding the suspicious device. Officers secured the area and contacted PRBS for assistance.

By 9:30 p.m., PRBS had rendered the device safe and collected it as evidence for further examination. Earlier that day, they had also dealt with another suspected explosive device at Parque del Sol.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to reach the Sahuarita Police Department at 520-351-4900, 9-1-1, or 520-344-7000 during regular business hours. The Sheriff’s TIP Line is also available at 520-445-7847.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for updates or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.